Band instruments typically include: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet or Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba and Percussion. Orchestra instruments typically include: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. Is it possible to play the guitar or piano in band or orchestra class? Generally, the answer is no.
Band instruments typically include: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet or Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba and Percussion. Orchestra instruments typically include: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. Go to top
Generally, the answer is no. These instruments are not typical band or orchestra instruments. There isnt anything wrong with choosing to play a guitar or piano. They can be extremely rewarding. They just dont fit into band and orchestras.
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This is perhaps the biggest question of all. You will hear three types of answers this question. First, some teachers will emphasize physical characteristics of the student. They will match an instrument to students according to lip shape, mouth shape, hand size and overall physique. Second, others will attempt to convince students to choose less popular instruments in order to end up with a balanced band or orchestra. Both of these methods have merit but the third and best method is to simply encourage students to choose according to the sound of the instrument.
Each instrument has a unique sound. Each student will tend to be attracted to some sounds more than others. Some desire the low sounds of a string bass or a tuba. Others will naturally lean towards the higher pitches of a flute while others will appreciate the beauty of a viola of the French Horn. The best method is to hear the instruments live by competent performers. Listening to recordings is also helpful.
Students who end up with an instrument that they dont care for, are less motivated to practice and are less likely to succeed.
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Many used instruments can be extremely reliable and usable for musicians of any level. Generally, brass, string and percussion instruments are more durable than woodwinds. Woodwind instruments use fragile pads to cover holes on the instrument. These pads can rip, mildew, swell or deteriorate due to age. If you know a musician who can check out a used instrument for you, it can be an excellent way to go. It can also be a good idea for a beginning student to rent an instrument, especially if they don't know yet whether they will stick with it. Visit Music & Arts for more information on renting.
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Nothing. Those are two names for the same instrument.
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The Viola is slightly bigger than a violin so it is also slightly lower in pitch. The sounds of these instruments are similar. The viola is usually characterized as a more mellow sounding instrument. The violin is given the melody more often.
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Yes. The clarinet is very similar to a saxophone. Both use a single reed and the fingerings are very similar. Since many students simply do not have large enough hands to play the saxophone, the clarinet is a good choice for beginners. Its not difficult to switch to the saxophone later.
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Do you release gas when shifting?
Release your foot from the gas pedal while you are shifting. Practice upshifting and downshifting while pressing and releasing the clutch pedal...
Alto. The tenor saxophone is quite large and difficult to handle for elementary age students. Even the alto saxophone is too large for many students.
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Yes. Many students can successfully start on these double reed instruments. If they are allowed in a beginning band, there are two factors to be aware of. The cost of these instruments, especially the bassoon is very high. They also require expensive reeds that will need to be replaced on a regular basis. These instruments can also be more difficult for a beginner than most of the other instruments. Its a good idea to take private lessons to play oboe or bassoon.
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For the beginner, there isnt a noticeable difference. The trumpet is a bit longer and slightly brighter sounding than a cornet. Either instrument is suitable for beginners.
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A percussion player will eventually play everything in the percussion section. This includes the snare drum, bass drum, bells, triangles, cymbals and many others. Students tend to have more success if they start on the bells and later move to the non-pitched instruments like the snare and bass drum. The drum set is rarely used in school bands.
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This depends on the student. Each instrument has unique difficulties. The French Horn is particularly difficult because so many notes can be played with each valve combination. Students who have some previous music experience with piano or elsewhere tend to be more successful with the French Horn.
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No. Its true that more girls may play the flute and more boys play the tuba but gender doesnt correlate with success on any instrument. Thousands of musicians have proven boys or girls can succeed on any instrument.
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Generally, the more a student practices, the better they will sound on their instrument. This is especially true if they are working with a tutor or teacher. Otherwise bad habits may develop by unguided practice. A typical practice schedule for a successful student is about 30 minutes, five days per week. Even 5 to 10 minutes of practice each night can be effective. Spreading out practice time is important. Two hours of practice in one evening is not nearly as beneficial as four evenings of 30 minutes.
Piano Guidance
Photo: RODNAE Productions
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